July 3, 2005

July 4^th Concert

The much anticipated 4^th of July concert was a good effort.  Although, satan tried to disrupt the program, L. C. Ministries persevered and all of the groups got to sing.  On program were The Gospel Redeemers, The Rising Stars of Eastover, Lil Willie & The Keynotes, The Jackson Southernaires, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson & The Spiritual Voices, Darrell McFadden and The Disciples, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Tommy Ellison & The Singing Stars and Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s.  Minister Curtis Young served as emcee for the program. 

Those that did attend had to contend with a sound system that was plagued with difficulties.  However, one of the sign of a true professional is when you are able to take adversity and use it to your advantage, or at least do not let it stop the program.  Well, each of the groups was able raise to the test.  The difficulties gave them the opportunity to testify about what to do when all is not going well.  It gave them the opportunity to show that nothing would stop the show.  And the crowd cooperated.

It is anticipated that the 4^th of July concert will become an annual event.  If so, we do believe that the next one will be much better.  However, if one person’s soul was saved, it does not matter what happens at the program, it will be considered a success. 

*****

July 11, 2005

Anointed Angels' Anniversary

Once again the Anointed Angels of Columbia held a Women in Unity day to celebrate their anniversary.  Saturday, July 9, 2005, began with a breakfast that featured an uplifting sermon and great fellowship.  The Angels recognized local radio and television angels at the breakfast.  The day ended with a concert featuring The Williams Sisters.  Also on the program were Big Mack & The Harmonettes, The Anointed Angels of Columbia, Flossie and The Singing Sisters, Women with a Vision, Women of Strength and The Emanuel Gospel Singers.  The concert was held at Ladson Chapel Family Life Center in Hopkins.  We understand that Doc McKenzie attended (just as a member of the audience and not to sing) the program.

*****

July 15, 2005

New television program a great success

Although South Carolina Gospel Quartets presents Quartet Live have only been on the television airways for seven (7) weeks, it has become a very big success with viewers.  The viewing audience continues to expand each week.  In addition, the broadcasts can be viewed, by way of video stream, at http://blanchegoodson.com/tvprograms.html.  Therefore, now the program is seen by viewers all over the world.  Local and national groups have been featured on the program.  Should your group desire to appear on this program, you should contact Ms. Blanche V. S. Goodson at (803) 685-9703 or (803) 261-9546.

The first Tuesday of each month groups can participate in a taping that may become a segment of the television program.  The taping is at Glory Temple A Tower of Praise, Clarkson Road, Hopkins, SC, where the Reverend John Lakins is the Pastor.  To participate in the taping you must contact Ms. Goodson before the 15^th of the month prior to the taping.  

*****

July 16, 2005

Summit Meeting

On this morning, Saturday, July 16, 2005, in response to a request from Reverend Stanley Ladson, several individuals met at Ladson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center, 7156 Cabin Creek Road, Hopkins, to address the dwindling attendance (and other matters) at local gospel quartet concerts.  Besides the moderator, those in attendance were representatives from Pelham Myers and The Five Singing Stars, Marlese Hendrix and The Hendrix Singers, Gospel Redeemers, Revelation, Heavenly-Aires of Tookee-doo, The National Juniors and The Prodigal Sons.  Also in attendance were Evangelist Loretta Coleman and Ms. Blanche V. S. Goodson.  As reflected by the attendance, many (in fact most) of the groups did not attend and did not send a representative.

In spite of the low attendance, several issues were resolved including the establishment of a local calendar to try to avoid conflicting concerts between local groups.  A decision was made to meet again on Saturday, August 6, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ladson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center.

*****

July 18, 2005

The Ballard Sisters' Anniversary

On Sunday, July 17, 2005, the Ballard Sisters celebrated their anniversary at the Camden Recreational Center, Camden, South Carolina.  Many local groups participated in the celebration.  The emcee, Ms. Blanche V. S. Goodson, kept the program on track.  Several hundred individuals were treated to the very best in gospel quartet singing by some of the finest groups in the area.  One of the unexpected treat of the program was Eddie Cabbagestalk, Jr. playing of the guitar.  Junior showed that not only is he a gifted keyboard player, but at 10 years of age, also a very talented guitarist. 

*****

July 24, 2005

The Sumter Gospel Association

On Saturday, June 23, 2005, the Sumter Gospel Association (SGA) held a one-day workshop for quartet singers from the Sumter area.  The program was held at Greater Mt Pisgah Church, 611 Miller Road, Sumter, South Carolina.  The pastor of the church was in attendance. 

SGA was organized about a year ago to bring together those in the Sumter area that sing the quartet style music.  The president of SGA is Deacon Robert Burgess of Deacon Burgess & The Mighty Soul Searchers, Vice-President is Marry Cabbagestalk of The Majestic Gospel Singers, Secretary is Cynthia Boykin of the Anointed Jubilaires, Treasurer is Asbury McFadden of Josea Sessions & The Gospel Messengers, and the Chaplin is Evangelist Carrie McFadden of Corinthian Gospel Singers. 

On this Saturday individuals came together for the GSA first workshop.  At the workshop Flossie Johnson of Flossie & The Singing Sisters discussed a variety of issues; including but not limited to, stage presence, dress, how to conduct yourself when not on stage, the songs you sing, and remembering why you sing – to give God the glory and praise.

Mr. Chris Geters, who serves as Minister of Music for one of the churches in the area, served as the moderator for the workshop.  In addition, he discussed with those present how to handle the microphones, being time sensitive, uniformity in dress and several other issues. 

Attorney Joseph L. Smalls, Jr., of Soteria Management & Consultants, also discussed a smorgasbord of issues including the group’s name, dealing with your song ministry and yet not forgetting the business side of the gospel music industry, does and don’t, and numerous other matters.        

It was a very enlighten workshop.  All those attending left better informed.  In addition to the workshop and the fellowship, the GSA also served lunch to all that attended the workshop.  In addition, a concert, featuring many  of the groups that attended the workshop, was held at 7:00 PM at the church.

The SGA meets monthly.  We encourage all quartet singers in the Sumter area to become affiliated with the SGA.  They are doing a great work.  You can only benefit from being a part of this association.